Top 10 NJ Wedding Venues

New Jersey is quickly becoming a top choice for weddings on the east coast. Many New Yorkers are choosing to get married in Jersey because they can have bigger weddings for a lower cost than in New York. New Jersey is also a popular location for Jewish weddings. We’ve compiled a list of our top 10 favorite New Jersey wedding venues to give you the pros and cons, and a variety of options if you are considering a New Jersey wedding.  Many couples that choose one of the many NJ wedding venues still choose to do their wedding photos in the city.  The proximity is so close you can do same-day photos in NY with ease, often during cocktail hour.

Having an NJ wedding or NY wedding

Why would you want to get married in New Jersey over New York? There are many factors to consider. The biggest reason is the price difference. You get so much more bang for your buck in NJ. Because of this, it’s possible to have larger weddings and invite more guests for the same cost as you would pay in the big apple. The second biggest reason is location. Many of the New Jersey wedding venues are located on large acre spreads with country houses, villas, and resorts. There are more greenery and lots more space.

New York is great, but the weddings will be in smaller venues and more cramped spaces with less capacity than Jersey. Transportation is another factor to consider. Because it’s out of the business of the city, it’s a lot easier to get around. There’s not nearly as much traffic, and no subway to deal with either! Additionally, there’s a lot more parking for guests.

Then there’s distance to the city. It’s a quick 30-45 minute drive to most of the venues in New Jersey, which means you can still find some shots with the skyline in the background. But not to worry! If you really want photos in New York, you can take them in the city and still get married in Jersey. It’s a great alternative and will end up saving you a considerable amount of money. Now that we’ve covered a few of the pros and cons of a New Jersey wedding versus the city, here’s a list of amazing venues in New Jersey to persuade you (hint: you’re going to fall in love with them!).

1. The Grove

   The Grove is a perfect location for a storybook wedding. The mansion’s Neo-classical architecture and crimson red awnings will draw you in, and you’ll fall in love with the historic grounds. You have options of having an indoor or outdoor wedding and a grand reception in the ballroom. For the elegance of a Cinderella-style wedding, the Grove should be your pic of NJ wedding venues

   

   The Grove tops our list of top NJ wedding venues

    

2. The Venetian

   The Italian marble, majestic columns and 35 food cathedral ceilings are effortlessly elegant at the Venetian. They offer world-class cuisine, and event planners help you craft a specific theme for your New Jersey wedding. For a big, beautiful, extravagant wedding, The Venetian is the place to go.  The Venetian also holds huge numbers, so you can have up to 500 guests, making it one of the most spacious NJ wedding venues.

3. Legacy Castle

   There is no other word to describe this venue than breathtaking. The grounds are spectacular, and the Castle is even better. There’s a 17-acre freshwater lake next to the grounds, and white swans often drop by. What’s more romantic than that?! Wrought iron railings with gold leaf detailing and chandeliers and a 15-foot marble fountain are all exquisite details that will make your wedding look amazing. They can accommodate 50-1,500 people, so no matter the size of your wedding, Legacy Castle can work to fit your needs.  It’s one of the newer NJ wedding venues, and has two tiers, the ceremony tends to be on the lower level, and the reception is often held in the ballroom upstairs.

   

   New Jersey’s Legacy Castle makes our list of NJ wedding venues

4. Crystal Plaza

   Crystal Plaza is a residential mansion turned wedding venue. They only host one wedding at a time, so you’ll have personalized white-glove service during your customized New Jersey wedding. The many chandeliers and big open ballrooms are exactly the atmospheres for an elegant and classy wedding. You also have the choice of getting married in the garden, and having the reception in a gorgeous enclosed tent with open ceilings. You’ll have a hard time deciding which was better—the amazing grounds or the delicious cuisine!

5. Ashford Estate

   This timeless country estate has us swooning. The 30-acre property is a hidden treasure for brides. You enter lion-guarded iron gates onto a dramatic white crushed stone drive, lined with old pine trees. Does it get much dreamier than that?! Weddings in any season look gorgeous here, and for the outdoorsy couple, Ashford Estate is a no-brainer. They have a bridal parlor and groom’s lounge, and get this— a red and white ivy-covered barn to get married in! There are private accommodations for the wedding party and a ballroom for the reception. The European-inspired Estate will have you feeling regal as you say “I do!”

6. Birchwood Manor

   This elegant venue has a variety of options for your wedding ceremony, including a pergola, the arbor, and a picturesque gazebo. The dramatic spiral staircase in the lobby leading to the bridal suites will be a great spot for photos, along with the outdoor fountains, waterfalls, and lush shrubbery. This bright and airy space is great for a spring or summer wedding. They can accommodate up to 425 people for dinner and dancing in the Jefferson ballroom, and up to 1,000 in their Grand Ballroom.

   

   Top NJ wedding venues

7. Nanina’s In the Park

   Nanina’s is situated in Branch Brook Park in Belleville, NJ. This venue has been hosting weddings for over 65 years and has been rated a Top Ten wedding venue multiple years in a row. Their famous cherry trees and Tuscan villas are the perfect backdrops for a relaxed and unforgettable wedding. Their grounds are great for a daytime or evening wedding ceremony, and their bright and colorful ballroom can hold a large wedding reception. You’ll feel cozy and comfortable in the bridal suite for the duration of your stay.

8. The Park Savoy

   You’ll get a combination of historic and brand new at The Park Savoy.  They’ve just completed a massive multi-million dollar renovation and restoration of the property. If you’re interested in a gorgeous garden wedding, the sweeping landscape views will be the perfect setting. The grounds are meticulously manicured, which is a great spot for a sunset ceremony.  Your guests can enjoy cocktail hour in the spring, summer, or fall.

   

   Best NJ wedding venues

9. Park Chateau Estate and Gardens

   When you first see the grounds, you will be awe-inspired. Halfway between Manhattan and Philly, this 15-acre estate with over 30 years of catering experience. The French architecture will only add to the romance, and it’s a great midway point for gathering family for your wedding. Get married in the chapel, and head over to the ballroom for dancing and drinks after! Make sure you check out their “Over The Top” menu for the best food they have to offer. The bridal suite will have you feeling like royalty all weekend!

10. Pleasantdale Chateau

    The grounds of this location are so lovely that they are often used for filming movies, and celebrities have used this in the past for low-profile weddings. The adorable cottage will put you at ease from the moment you walk in. There is a private bridal salon for the ladies and game room for the guys. They even have a colorful, beachy pool house that’s great for photos in the summer. An evening outdoor ceremony followed by a reception in the grand ballroom is sure to be the perfect setting for your fairytale wedding.

 

No matter which of these NJ wedding venues you choose, you’ll be sure to “wow” your guests!  We hope this guide helps you have an amazing wedding day!  If you’re getting married and want beautiful wedding photography like you see here, be sure to contact us today and we’d be honored to shoot your wedding!

 

 

Want to view more beautiful wedding images?  Check out our galleries here!

Article by Clane Gessel Photography